Education Defense & Justice for Youth

Education Defense & Justice for Youth

EBCLC’s Education, Defense & Justice for Youth (EDJY) program represents young people caught at the intersection of the juvenile justice and education systems.

EDJY is comprised of two clinics: the Youth Defender Clinic and the Education Advocacy Clinic. EDJY attorneys and advocates in both clinics work together to provide support and representation in delinquency, school expulsion, and special education matters. A social worker and social work students are also part of our practice, allowing us to better address our clients’ and their families’ needs.

EDJY provides holistic representation to young people who are at risk of entering, or who are currently involved in, the juvenile justice system in Alameda County. EDJY aims to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline by addressing the multitude of interrelated issues that impact many young people’s ability to thrive. Delinquency system involvement is often deeply entwined with challenges at school, unstable or unsafe housing, immigration complications, and inadequate income. By connecting clients with the multiple civil legal services offered at EBCLC, EDJY offers young people – and their families and caregivers – seamless access to many legal and social services under one roof.

For more information about the services that EDJY provides, click here!